Collision repair often involves basic procedures like dent and frame repair, which are tangible and visually noticeable. Dents can be identified and addressed by directly working on the vehicle’s panels, whether by stretching, hammering, or smoothing the affected areas. Unlike other complex repairs that require interfacing with onboard computers, testing emissions, or dismantling and reassembling transmissions, dent and frame repair is more straightforward, requiring only the alignment of the frame or the repair of the dents themselves.

While this is all true, it’s a bit deceiving. Automobiles have changed a lot over the century plus they’ve been around. Of course there were no computers in any of Ransom Olds’s designs, but even those first car panels were much different from today’s. As technology changes how auto manufacturers make cars, it also changes how collision repair technicians approach dent and frame repair.

Dent and frame repair

Dents can occur for any number of reasons. A neighbor kid’s errant slapshot when playing road hockey, a particularly large hailstone, or absentmindedly opening the car door into a parking meter (we’ve all been there). And then, of course, there are collisions; even a low-speed impact can require dent repair as part of a larger collision repair.

Frame alignment

The trouble is even seemingly small dents can mess up the frame structure of your vehicle. The frame panels must align properly to provide aerodynamics and, effectively, hold your vehicle together. This is why, when conducting a dent repair or frame repair, collision repair technicians also conduct a frame alignment.

Laser scanning and auto body repair

So, dents can happen often, and dent repair is important because dents can hinder the performance of a vehicle. But how do lasers factor in all of this? This is the high-tech part of dent and frame repair.

Laser scanning technology has revolutionized various aspects of auto body repair, including damage assessment, dent repair, and frame alignment. Here’s how:

What is laser scanning?

First, let’s explain laser scanning technology. This process utilizes laser beams to capture precise measurements and create highly accurate 3D models of vehicles. The technology uses sensors to measure the distance between the scanner and the vehicle, and therefore between different points on the vehicle, mapping every contour, dent, and misaligned panel.

Laser precision in damage assessment

These lasers allow for highly accurate surface mapping because the scanners can capture even minute details, such as dents, scratches, and deformations. This level of detail helps dent and frame repair professionals evaluate the extent of damage. This is crucial because much of the damage is often invisible to the naked eye.

3D models are also great for making comparisons. By comparing scanned data with original manufacturer specifications or undamaged sections of the vehicle, collision repair technicians can identify discrepancies and deformations. This type of precision also minimizes, or even eliminates, guesswork. Laser scanning removes the need for subjective assessments, ensuring consistent and accurate evaluations.

Laser scanning and dent and frame repair

Laser scanners can detect and measure the depth and surface area of dents, providing data to guide paintless dent repair (PDR) techniques. Auto body repair technicians can use these 3D scans to verify they’ve completed the dent and frame repair correctly.

For frame alignment, the process can be quite tricky. Frame damage is often subtle, and even hardly noticeable damage can hurt the structural integrity of a vehicle. Laser scanning ensures that the frame is measured to within millimeter accuracy. This means the scans can find even tiny twists, bends, or shifts in the frame, enabling precise adjustments. The scanners also produce data that’s useful for the correct documentation of the vehicle’s condition before and after auto body repairs, providing transparency for insurance claims and customer assurance.

Additional benefits of laser scanning in dent repair and frame alignment

The precision that laser scanning allows has been integral to the development of better dent and frame repair. But the benefits of this technology don’t end there. Some additional benefits of laser scanning to auto body repair include:

1. Efficiency
   Laser scanning can lead to better and faster outcomes. Using lasers can speed up the assessment process, allowing collision repair techs to begin the actual dent repair and frame alignment processes quicker.
   
2. Better quality control
   This higher tech process means dent and frame repairs can meet high standards, reducing the likelihood of repeat visits. Getting it right the first time is hugely important in the auto body repair business.
   
3. Higher customer confidence
   With detailed reports and 3D visuals, customers can better understand the extent of damage and the quality of the finished dent repair. This can lead to greater trust between the technicians and customers and can allow for improved communication with insurance companies.
   
4. More cost savings
   More accurate assessments can prevent over- or under-repairing. With a higher degree of precision and a quicker repair timeline, dent repair professionals can optimize resource use and reduce unnecessary expenses.

Getting laser scanning for your vehicle

Whether you need a full collision repair or just want a relatively small dent repair, it’s worth checking with the auto body repair shops near you if they have this advanced laser scanning technology. After all, ensuring the right frame structure of your vehicle will save you time and headaches in the future. That’s why this technology is so crucial to high-quality dent and frame repair.